Andrea Barzagli highlighted the importance of trusting youngsters in the Azzurri squad and Paul Pogba’s probable return to Juventus.
Italy coach Roberto Mancini is now working on rejuvenating the squad a little following the failure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. This international break was fairly positive, with a younger side looking fired up in matches against Germany and England.
Speaking at a press conference via TuttoMercatoWeb, Barzagli first gave his thoughts on the deployment of youngsters in the national team.
“We are looking for the courage to launch them. This is the right time to do it, precisely because there will be no World Cup.
“It is important to see them at work against important national teams, years ago it took much longer to get to play for Italy, but now it is right that the path starts earlier.”
He gave his thoughts on Federico Gatti, a talented unknown signed by Juventus from Frosinone for €5.5m back in the January transfer window.
“I’ve seen him play a few times, I’ve spoken about him with some insiders and they spoke very well of him.
“To enter the Juve squad you need character and credibility, we’ll see from there if he’s ready. If he’s a worth it he’ll have his space. I hope so because in Italy we are lacking in that role.”
The former Juventus defender touched on Pogba’s possible return to Turin. The Frenchman is close to signing for the club on a free transfer, returning after six years with Manchester United.
“I think it’ll go well because he would return to an environment that can give him so much. He is looking for stability and at Juve there is also professionalism and a desire to win. He will also be pampered with pressure.”
Finally, Barzagli gave his thoughts on Angel Di Maria. The Argentinian forward seemed close to a free transfer to the Bianconeri in recent weeks but things have stalled recently.
“Beyond market and age issues, as a player he is an extraordinary player, without a doubt. There is always the desire to be assessed though and how reliable he can be.”
Barzagli: «Ambiente Juve ideale per Pogba. Su Di Maria dico questo» – https://t.co/Apre19xlds pic.twitter.com/H58uQcP6jy
— JuventusNews24.com (@junews24com) June 14, 2022